Aviation Service from the Czech Republic is the only company from an eastern European country shortlisted by Poland as a possible avionics system integrator for the proposed four-nation Mil Mi-24 Hind upgrade programme.
Poland is lead participant in the so-called Visegraad Mi-24 programme, which also includes the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia. Others shortlisted include BAE Systems, Eurocopter, Israel Aircraft Industries, Lockheed Martin and Thales.
Aviation Service marketing director Martin Paloda says the company is heading a team of more than 10 companies from North America and Europe. "Most of the latter are from the UK and Italy, but of course also from the Czech Republic," he says.
Aviation Service is offering improved communication navigation, and mission systems, as well as new sensors, displays and self-defence equipment. "Even if we don't succeed as an integrator, however, our company, as well as some of the others from our team, could still be subcontractors to whoever gets the order," Paloda says.
Aviation Service was created in 1992and provides avionics upgrades for military and commercial customers. As much as 80%of sales are exported.
Source: Flight International
